Born to rule

The tradition of naming a successor from within the family to head a party/government is prevalent in most States. In Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, for instance, dynastic politics has played a big role with sons, daughters and relatives being elevated in the party and the government. Devoted party workers, who take part in agitations, protests, bandhs, and land in jails, get nothing. They are indeed born to serve (Sept. 9) while our political families are born to rule.

A.S. Raghavan,

Hyderabad

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has gracefully chosen Rahul Gandhi as the Congress’ most suitable prime ministerial candidate for the 2014 election, knowing well that the chances of the party returning to power are remote.

If Rahul is indeed the ideal candidate, one wonders why the wisdom did not dawn on Dr. Singh all these years.

V.R. Ravikumar,

Chennai

By accepting Rahul as his leader, Dr. Singh has not only prodded Rahul to spell out his options but also cautioned those wanting to vote for the Congress.

While Tendulkar was wise in proposing Dhoni’s name, Dr. Singh proposed Rahul’s name only to appease his colleagues in the party. The dearth of leadership in the more-than-a-century old party is appalling.

A. Subbalakshmi,

Bangalore